U.S. patent application number 11/943133 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-21 for alert devices and methods for portable electronic device removal from chargers.
This patent application is currently assigned to MOTOROLA, INC.. Invention is credited to Christian Flowers, Dean Thorson, Hong Zhao.
Application Number | 20090128346 11/943133 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40641342 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090128346 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zhao; Hong ; et al. |
May 21, 2009 |
ALERT DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE REMOVAL
FROM CHARGERS
Abstract
Disclosed are devices and methods of electronic devices for
activating an alarm when it is detected that an applied charging
voltage has dropped below a threshold value. An electronic device
is configured to detect the type of charger, for example, a bicycle
charger or motorcycle charger, connected to the electronic device
according to a charger attribute. The electronic device may further
detect when the applied charging voltage has decreased below the
predetermined threshold value. When the device is detected to be
connected to a particular type of charger, and it is detected that
the applied charging voltage has decreased below the threshold
value, the alarm may be activated after a predetermined time. In
this way, a user of a bicycle charger or other vehicle charger can
be reminded to remove the electronic device from the charging
cradle of the vehicle, helping to avoid loss or theft of the
device.
Inventors: |
Zhao; Hong; (Naperville,
IL) ; Flowers; Christian; (Chicago, IL) ;
Thorson; Dean; (Grayslake, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MOTOROLA INC
600 NORTH US HIGHWAY 45, W4 - 39Q
LIBERTYVILLE
IL
60048-5343
US
|
Assignee: |
MOTOROLA, INC.
Libertyville
IL
|
Family ID: |
40641342 |
Appl. No.: |
11/943133 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/636.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 7/0021 20130101;
G08B 21/24 20130101; H02J 7/00045 20200101; H04M 1/6075
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/636.15 |
International
Class: |
G08B 21/00 20060101
G08B021/00 |
Claims
1. A portable electronic device, comprising: a controller
configured to execute instructions; a memory coupled to the
controller and configured to store instruction modules; a power
source coupled to the controller and configured to be rechargeable;
an alarm coupled to the controller; a charging port coupled to the
controller and configured to be identifiably coupled to a
predetermined type of charger, the charging port further configured
to receive charge to recharge the power source; a charger detection
module having instructions configured to detect and identify when
the portable electronic device is coupled to the predetermined type
of charger; a charger voltage monitoring module having instructions
configured to monitor whether an applied voltage of the received
charge is below a predetermined threshold value; an alarm
activation module having instructions configured to activate the
alarm after a predetermined time when the charger detection module
detects and identifies the predetermined type of charger and the
charger voltage monitoring module detects that the applied voltage
is below the predetermined threshold value.
2. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the charger
detection module is configured to detect and identify a charger
based on detection of a predetermined charger attribute.
3. The portable electronic device of claim 2, wherein detection of
a predetermined charger attribute comprises detection of a
predetermined charger ID resistor.
4. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the alarm
activation module is further configured to cease activation of the
alarm after a predetermined time.
5. The portable electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a
user input device configured to accept user input; wherein the
alarm activation module is further configured to cease activation
of the alarm when particular user input to the user input device is
detected.
6. The portable electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a
user input device configured to accept user input; wherein the
alarm activation module is further configured to continue the alarm
until entry of a predetermined security code is detected by the
user input device.
7. The portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the alarm is
at least one of an audible alarm and a visible alarm.
8. A mobile communication device, comprising: a controller
configured to execute instructions; a memory coupled to the
controller and configured to store instruction modules; a power
source coupled to the controller and configured to be rechargeable;
an audio transducer coupled to the controller, the audio transducer
configured to emit an alert signal having a volume below a first
predetermined volume and configured to emit a alarm having a volume
above a second predetermined volume; a charging port coupled to the
controller and configured to be coupled to an identifiable type of
charger, the charging port further configured to receive charge to
recharge the power source; a charger detection module having
instructions configured to detect a type of charger; a charger
voltage monitoring module having instructions configured to monitor
whether an applied voltage of the received charge is below a
predetermined threshold value; an alert module having instructions
configured to start an alert timer for a predetermined alert time
and to transmit a signal to the audio transducer to emit the alert
signal for the predetermined alert time, when the charger detection
module detects a type of charger and the charger voltage monitoring
module detects that the applied voltage is below the predetermined
threshold value; and an alarm activation module having instructions
configured to transmit a signal to the audio transducer to emit an
alarm having a volume above the second predetermined volume after
the predetermined alert time has expired, and the charger detection
module detects the type of charger and the charger voltage
monitoring module detects that the applied voltage is below the
predetermined threshold value.
9. The mobile communication device of claim 8, further comprising:
an alarm inactivation module having instructions configured to
extinguish the alarm when the charger detection module no longer
detects a type of charger.
10. The mobile communication device of claim 8, wherein the charger
detection module is configured to detect a charger based on
detection of a predetermined charger attribute.
11. The mobile communication device of claim 10, wherein detection
of a predetermined charger attribute comprises detection of a
predetermined charger ID resistor.
12. The mobile communication device of claim 8, wherein the charger
detection module is configured to detect a bicycle charger based on
detection of a predetermined charger attribute.
13. The mobile communication device of claim 8, further comprising:
a user input device configured to accept user input; wherein the
alarm activation module is further configured to cease activation
of the alarm when particular user input to the user input device is
detected.
14. The mobile communication device of claim 8, further comprising:
a visible alarm coupled to the controller and configured to emit a
visual indication when the charger detection module detects a type
of charger and the charger voltage monitoring module detects that
the applied voltage is below the predetermined threshold value.
15. A method of an electronic device having a rechargeable power
source, the method comprising: detecting that the device is
attached to a type of charger; receiving charge from the charger to
charge the rechargeable power source of the device; detecting that
an applied voltage of the received charge is below a predetermined
threshold; starting an alert timer for a predetermined alert time;
emitting an alert signal having a volume below a first
predetermined volume for the predetermined alert time; determining,
when the alert timer expires, whether the applied voltage is above
the predetermined threshold; emitting an alarm having a volume
above a second predetermined volume if the applied voltage is below
the predetermined threshold when the alert timer expires; and
ceasing the alarm when the device detects that the device is no
longer attached to a type of charger.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the device has a user input
device configured to accept user input, the method further
comprising: ceasing the alert signal when a particular user input
is detected.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the device has a user input
device configured to accept user input, the method further
comprising: ceasing the alarm when a particular user input is
detected.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: ceasing the alarm
after a predetermined alarm time.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: increasing a volume
of the alert signal after a predetermined time interval.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising: emitting a visual
indication when the applied voltage is below the predetermined
threshold value.
Description
FIELD
[0001] Described are devices and methods of an electronic device
for charging of a device, and more particularly devices and methods
of an electronic device for providing an alert to remove the device
from a charger when charging has diminished or ceased.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Mobile communication devices continue to gain popularity in
emerging markets, since mobile communication systems have the
advantage of less required infrastructure than hard-wired systems.
Therefore, many emerging market regions are opting for the
installation of mobile communication systems and their residents
are becoming mobile communication subscribers. Sales of cell phones
and other portable electronic devices are expected to continue to
rise in emerging market regions.
[0003] In many emerging market regions, electrical utility
infrastructures are minimally developed making charging of mobile
communication devices often times difficult. Electricity may be
provided for only a few hours per day, for example, during the
middle of the night. In other cases, generators or other sources of
electricity may provide electricity to residents of emerging market
regions in limited amounts. Furthermore, in homes or businesses,
electrical outlets may be few. Therefore, it may be difficult for
residents of emerging market regions who share electrical
facilities to recharge their mobile communication devices or other
portable electronic devices from an electric utility
infrastructure.
[0004] Bicycles, motorcycles, other vehicles, or other equipment
may be adapted to include a charger to charge a portable device,
particularly in emerging market regions where regular electric
utility power may not be available. An owner or user of a bicycle
or motorcycle adapted with a device charger may place a mobile
communication device in a charging cradle utilizing pedaling,
vehicle motion, or motor power so that the device may charge while
the bicycle or motorcycle is in use. However, when the pedaling,
vehicle motion, or motor power ceases, it can be easy to forget
that the mobile communication device or other portable electronic
device is in the charging cradle. A user may simply walk away
leaving the mobile communication device in the charging cradle.
Unfortunately, it is therefore possible that the device may become
lost or stolen. Loss of the device can be a major issue because the
cost of, for example, a cell phone can be well over a month's
salary of a regular worker in an emerging market region.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 shows an electronic device having an alert to notify
a user when a charger ceases charging according to an embodiment;
and
[0006] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a method of an electronic
device for generating an alert when the device ceases charging,
that may remind a user to remove the device from a charger.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0007] It would be beneficial that a portable electronic device
have an alarm so that a user can be reminded to remove the portable
electronic device from a charger or charging cradle when charging
voltage to the device drops, for example, when a bicycle stops
moving or when a motorcycle's electrical system is switched off. It
would further be beneficial that a portable electronic device with
an alarm recognize the type of charger connected, so that false
alarms aren't raised, for example, during a power outage while the
device is connected to a device charger for household use. It would
in addition be beneficial if a portable electronic device
configured with a charger alarm, and configured to recognize the
type of charger connected, were adapted for use with a bicycle
charging cradle or a charging cradle for use with another type of
vehicle, during use of the bicycle or other vehicle for
transportation.
[0008] Disclosed are devices and methods of electronic devices for
activating an alarm when it is detected that an applied charging
voltage has dropped below a threshold value. In an embodiment, an
electronic device is configured to detect the type of charger
connected to the electronic device according to a charger
attribute, for example, a bicycle charger. The electronic device
may further detect when the applied charging voltage has decreased
below the predetermined threshold value. When the device is
detected to be connected to a particular type of charger, and it is
detected that the applied charging voltage has decreased below the
threshold value, the alarm may be activated after a predetermined
time. In this way, a user of a bicycle charger or other vehicle
charger can be reminded to remove the electronic device from the
charging cradle of the vehicle, helping to avoid loss or theft of
the device.
[0009] As mentioned, the device is configured to detect and
identify a charger type based on detection of a predetermined
charger attribute. In another disclosed embodiment, the alarm may
initially produce an alarm at a first predetermined level, and
after a predetermined time may elevate the alarm to a second
predetermined level. Such a change in the volume or characteristic
of the alarm may alert a user as the user is walking away from the
bicycle or motorcycle, the distance between them increasing. Also,
the electronic device may be configured to accept user input to
temporarily silence the alarm or otherwise configure the alarm,
which may be useful if the user has not left the bicycle or
motorcycle. In this manner the electronic device may provide a
reminder to remove the device from a charger or charging cradle of,
for example, a bicycle or motorcycle, when the user accidentally
leaves the device in the charging cradle, thereby reducing the
chance that the device may be forgotten in the charging cradle when
the bicycle or motorcycle is stopped.
[0010] The instant disclosure is provided to further explain in an
enabling fashion the best modes of making and using various
embodiments in accordance with the present invention. The
disclosure is further offered to enhance an understanding and
appreciation for the invention principles and advantages thereof,
rather than to limit in any manner the invention. The invention is
defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments of
this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
[0011] It is further understood that the use of relational terms,
if any, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like are
used solely to distinguish one from another entity or action
without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such
relationship or order between such entities or actions. Some of the
functionality related to the various embodiments disclosed herein
may require software programs or instructions and integrated
circuits (ICs) such as application specific ICs, and may require
coordination with other various software programs or instructions
operational within a mobile communication device for example, for
displaying indicia or content on one or more displays operating in
a manner corresponding to the position of the housings. It is
expected that one of ordinary skill, when guided by the concepts
and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of
generating such software instructions and programs and/or ICs with
minimal experimentation. Therefore, in the interest of brevity and
minimization of any risk of obscuring the principles and concepts
according to the various embodiments herein disclosed, further
discussion of such software and ICs, if any, will be limited to the
essentials sufficient to facilitate understanding by one of
ordinary skill.
[0012] FIG. 1 shows an electronic device 102 having an alert to
notify a user when a charger ceases charging according to an
embodiment. In the example, the charger is configured to receive
power from a moving vehicle such as a bicycle or motorcycle. The
device 102 may be for example a portable electronic device such as
a mobile communication device. The device 102 includes a power
source 104 that typically includes one or more rechargeable cells.
The electronic device 102 may be configured to be connected to a
charger via a charging port 106 that may provide a charging current
from a charger to the power source 104. The electronic device 102
may further include a controller 108 configured to execute
instructions and an alarm 110 coupled to the controller. The alarm
1 10 as will be discussed in more detail below is configured to
sound and/or flash when there is a substantial drop in the charging
current to the power source 104, or in the charging voltage applied
to the power source, thus notifying a user that the device is still
in the charger even though the bicycle or other vehicle has ceased
moving. In this way a user may be less likely to leave behind in a
charger a device that thereby may be lost or stolen.
[0013] The controller 108 is coupled to the power source 104 and
configured to initiate charging of the power source when the
electronic device 102 is connected to a charger via the charging
port 106, for example, when the user begins pedaling a bicycle to
which the charger is mounted. When pedaling ceases and/or if
vehicle motion stops, the controller 108 is further configured to
activate the alarm 110 when it is detected that an applied charging
voltage from the charging port 106 has dropped below a
predetermined threshold value, discussed below in connection with
FIG. 2. In this manner the electronic device 102 may provide a
reminder to remove the device from a charger or charging cradle of,
for example, a bicycle or motorcycle, thereby reducing the chance
that the device 102 may be forgotten in the charging cradle when
the bicycle or motorcycle is stopped.
[0014] More particularly, in a bicycle charger, a generator may
produce a charging current that can be received by the charging
port 106, while the bicycle is in motion. When the bicycle rider
stops, for example at a traffic signal or upon reaching the bicycle
rider's destination, the charging current may no longer be
produced, and there is no longer an applied voltage from the
charging port to drive recharging of the power source 104 (see FIG.
1). In a motorcycle charger, the charging port may receive a
charging current from the electrical system of the motorcycle.
Consequently, when the motorcycle is turned off, for example, upon
reaching the motorcycle rider's destination, the charging current
may no longer be available. In this circumstance too, there is no
longer an applied voltage from the charging port to drive
recharging of the power source 104. It is understood that
connection to another type of charger other than a bicycle charger
and a motorcycle charger is within the scope of this
disclosure.
[0015] The device 102 may detect (230, see FIG. 2) attachment via
the charging port 106 to a predetermined type of charger. In this
way, the device activates the presently-discussed alert device and
method. That is, in a different situation, if the device were
charged via an electrical outlet, it may not be useful for an alarm
to sound when charging ceases or is substantially reduced.
Accordingly, the type of charger may be identified by an attribute
of the charger. For example, the device 102 may be attached to a
bicycle charger, a motorcycle charger, or another type of charger.
The charger, for example, may include an ID resistor that may be
sensed by the device 102 through the charging port 106 that is
coupled to the controller 108 to identify the charger. In another
embodiment, the charger may include a capacitor, inductor,
integrated circuit, or another component that provides an attribute
by which the device 102 may sense the type of charger. In this
manner the charging port 106 is configured to be identifiably
coupled to a predetermined type of charger. It is understood that
the charging port 106 may provide a wired connection between the
electronic device 102 and a charger. It is further understood that
the charging port 106 may provide a contactless charging
connection, for example, for inductive charging, between the
electronic device 102 and a charger. In this way the charging port
106 may receive charge to provide a charging current, in order to
recharge the power source 104 of the mobile communication device
102, and the type of charger may be identified.
[0016] While the above discussion is with reference to a mobile
communication device, it is understood that any type of device may
be charged and include the described alarm in accordance with this
discussion. The mobile communication device 102 may be implemented
as a cellular telephone (also called a mobile phone). The mobile
communication device 102 represents a wide variety of devices that
have been developed for use within various communication networks.
Such handheld communication devices include, for example, cellular
telephones, messaging devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs),
notebook or laptop computers, mobile data terminals, application
specific gaming devices, video gaming devices, and the like. Any of
these portable devices may be referred to as a mobile station or
user equipment. Herein, wireless communication technologies may
include, for example, voice communication, the capability of
transferring digital data, SMS messaging, Internet access,
multi-media content access and/or voice over internet protocol
(VoIP).
[0017] The mobile communication device or portable electronic
device 102 may include other components such as a transceiver 112,
a memory 114, and modules 1 16. The transceiver 112 may be coupled
to the controller 108 and may provide for wireless communication
with one or more additional wireless devices. The memory 114 is
coupled to the controller and configured to store instruction
modules 1 16. Moreover, it is understood that some modules 116 may
be implemented in hardware, or include hardware components.
[0018] The modules 116 can carry out certain processes of the
methods as described herein. Steps of methods may involve modules
and modules may be inferred by the methods discussed herein. The
modules can be implemented in software, such as in the form of one
or more sets of prestored instructions, and/or hardware, which can
facilitate the operation of the mobile station or electronic device
as discussed below. The modules may be installed at the factory or
can be installed after distribution by, for example, a downloading
operation. The methods, processes, and operations in accordance
with the modules are discussed in more detail below.
[0019] The modules 116 may include a charger detection module 130
configured to detect that the electronic device 102 is connected to
a type of charger, a charger voltage monitoring module 134
configured to monitor an applied charging voltage from the charging
port 106, and an alert module 136. The alert module 136 is
configured to initiate an alert signal if the applied charging
voltage drops below a predetermined threshold, and to continue the
alert signal for a predetermined alert time. The modules 116 may
also include an alarm activation module 148 configured to activate
an alarm if the applied charging voltage is below the threshold
when the predetermined alert time expires, and an alarm
inactivation module 150 configured to inactivate the alarm when
particular conditions are met. The modules are discussed below in
connection with FIG. 2.
[0020] To sound the above-described alarm, the device 102 may in
addition include an audio transducer 118 coupled to the controller
and configured to emit an alert signal having a volume below a
first predetermined volume and configured to emit an alarm having a
volume above a second predetermined volume. An alert signal at a
first predetermined volume that is, for example, a low volume, can
be effective when traffic is stopped, for example, at a traffic
signal. The alert signal serves to alert the rider, in this
example, of a bicycle, that the device 102 is in the charging
cradle of the bicycle, and is not receiving a charge.
[0021] The first predetermined volume may be sufficiently high to
be heard above customary traffic or street noise. Bicycle riders
who typically ride at night or in quieter locales may wish to
reduce the first predetermined volume. Accordingly, the first
predetermined volume may be configurable via, for example, a user
interface, discussed below. The second predetermined volume may be
typically higher than the first predetermined volume. The second
predetermined volume may serve to notify the rider to remove the
device from the charger once the vehicle is stopped. In this
manner, a user may be reminded to remove the portable electronic
device from a charger or charging cradle when charging voltage to
the device drops, for example, when a bicycle stops moving or when
a motorcycle's electrical system is switched off. The reminder to
remove the device from the vehicle charger may avoid loss or theft
of the device were the user to forget to remove the device.
[0022] The mobile communication device 102 may include user
interface devices such as a display 122, and may in addition
include a keypad 124. The user interface device or devices may be
used to enter user input in order to silence an alert signal or
alarm. The display 122 and the keypad 124 may together make up a
user interface 120. The user interface 120 may include other
elements. For example, the display 122 may also include touch
screen capability. The user interface may include, for example,
soft keys 126 and/or a navigation circle 128. As discussed above,
the first predetermined volume, that is, the volume level of the
alert signal, may be configured via the user interface 120, for
example, via the navigation circle 128. In addition, the alert
signal or alarm may be turned off for a time via user input, for
example, via use of a soft key 126 or a key of the keypad 124. It
is understood that any manner of user input via the user interface
120 to configure or turn off the alert signal or alarm is within
the scope of this discussion. In this way, a user may be alerted
that a device is in a charging cradle of a motorcycle or bicycle,
and the user may temporarily silence the alert signal or alarm when
it is not needed.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a method 200 of an electronic
device 102 (see FIG. 1) for generating an alert when the device
ceases charging, that may remind a user to remove the device from a
charger. The electronic device 102 has a power source 104 that may
be recharged when the device is connected to a charger. In the
described method, the device may detect when it is connected to a
charger that may be of a particular type. In this way, the device
activates the presently-discussed alert device and method. That is,
in a different situation, if the device were charged via an
electrical outlet, it may not be useful for an alarm to sound when
charging ceases or is substantially reduced, and identifying the
particular type of charger can avoid sounding an alarm that may not
be useful. When it is detected by the device that the applied
charging voltage has decreased below the threshold value, the alarm
may be activated after a predetermined time. In this way, a rider
of, for example, a bicycle equipped with a charging cradle may be
reminded to remove the electronic device 102 from the charging
cradle when the bicycle has stopped moving, thereby helping to
avoid loss or theft of the electronic device 102.
[0024] As mentioned above, the device 102 (see FIG. 1) detects 230
that it is attached to a particular predetermined type of charger
via the charging port 106. The type of charger may be, for example,
a bicycle charger or a motorcycle charger. The charger may
therefore be an identifiable type of charger. The type of charger
may be identified, as discussed above, by an attribute of the
charger, for example, a charger ID resistor that may be sensed by
the device through the charging port. Detecting that the device 102
is connected to a charger takes place according to the charger
module 130, which has instructions configured to detect and
identify when the device 102 is coupled to the predetermined type
of charger.
[0025] Once connected to a charger via the charging port 106 (see
FIG. 1), the device 102 may receive charge 232 from the charger to
recharge the power source 104. The charging port 106 may provide
the charge to recharge the power source 104 at an applied voltage.
Typically, an applied voltage for charging a rechargeable battery
should be above a predetermined applied voltage threshold level.
The predetermined applied voltage threshold may be, for example,
4.5 V, but the value depends on the type and voltage of the power
source 104. Receiving charge 232 may take place via the charging
port 106, and may occur according to the charger voltage monitoring
module 134, which has instructions configured to monitor whether an
applied voltage of the received charge is below a predetermined
threshold value. Accordingly, the charger voltage monitoring module
134 may detect 234 if an applied voltage of the received charge is
below the predetermined threshold value. In such a case, a
bicyclist may have ceased pedaling the bicycle and/or the bicycle's
motion may have stopped and therefore the charger would cease
charging the device.
[0026] When charger voltage monitoring module 134 (see FIG. 1)
detects 234 that the applied charging voltage is below the
predetermined threshold value, an alert timer may be started 236.
The alert timer may be configured to run for a predetermined alert
time, for example, for 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, or
another alert time. The length of the alert time may depend on, for
example, local traffic signal durations. The length of the alert
time may in addition be configurable by a user, for example, via
the user interface 120. Starting of the alert timer may occur in
accordance with alert module 136.
[0027] The alert module 136 (see FIG. 1) may in addition initiate
emitting 238 of an alert signal. The alert signal commences at a
predetermined first volume level, as discussed above. The alert
signal may endure for the predetermined alert time discussed above.
A bicycle rider, motorcycle rider, or other user can optionally
turn the alert signal off, that is, the alert signal may cease 240
when particular user input is detected. In another embodiment, the
volume of the alert signal may increase 242 during its emission.
The increase may occur after a predetermined time interval, for
example, 10 seconds, or it may occur in a continuous manner. The
increase may in an embodiment occur in a series of steps. It is
understood that any manner of increasing the volume of the alert
signal is within the scope of this disclosure.
[0028] In some situations or localities, it may be difficult to
hear an alert signal. In other circumstances it may be undesirable
to emit an audible alert signal. Accordingly, the alert signal may
be an audible signal or it may be a visual signal, or both. Any
type of alert is within the scope of this discussion. An audible
signal may be emitted via, for example, the audio transducer 118
(see FIG. 1). A visual signal may include, that, for example, the
display 122 of the device 102 may flash or show a distinctive
pattern, or both. The method 200 may therefore include emitting 244
a visual indication when the applied charging voltage is below the
predetermined threshold. Accordingly, the device 102 may include a
visible alarm coupled to the controller and configured to emit a
visual indication when the charger detection module 130 detects a
type of charger and the charger voltage monitoring module 134
detects that the applied charging voltage is below the
predetermined threshold value. Whether the alert signal is emitted
audibly, visually, or both may be configurable via the user
interface 120.
[0029] When certain conditions are met, the alert signal may cease.
One condition, just discussed, is that a rider or user supply user
input to turn off the alert signal. Another condition is if the
applied charging voltage is determined to again be above the
threshold value in accordance with the charger voltage monitoring
module 134 (see FIG. 1). In an embodiment, determining 246 whether
the applied charging voltage is above the predetermined threshold
may take place after expiration of the alert time. The conditions
also include that the device is no longer attached to the charger.
Finally, if the device is still attached to the charger, the
applied charging voltage is still below threshold, and the alert
time has expired, then the alert signal ceases, to be replaced by
emission 148 of an alarm, in accordance with alarm activation
module 148. The alarm activation module 148 has instructions
configured to transmit a signal to the audio transducer 118 to emit
an alarm having a volume above a second predetermined volume after
the predetermined alert time has expired, when the charger
detection module 130 detects and identifies the predetermined type
of charger and the charger voltage monitoring module 134 detects
that the applied charging voltage is below the predetermined
threshold value. In this manner a user may be notified to remove
the device from the charger or charging cradle when the charging
port 106 no longer supplies charge at an applied voltage above the
predetermined voltage threshold.
[0030] The alarm may cease 250 when particular conditions are
detected. The conditions may include that a rider or user supply
user input to turn off the alarm. Another condition may be that a
predetermined time has elapsed. The conditions also include that
the device is no longer attached to the charger. The alarm
activation module 148 may be configured to cease activation of the
alarm when particular user input to the user input device is
detected, or after a predetermined time. In an embodiment, the
alarm activation module 148 may be configured to cease activation
of the alarm only after the user has entered a personal
identification number (PIN) or other predetermined security code.
In this way, if the device is removed by a thief, the alarm will
continue to sound until the power is depleted. In the same
embodiment or another embodiment, inactivation of the alarm may
take place according to alarm inactivation module 150, which has
instructions configured to extinguish the alarm for example, when
the charger detection module 130 no longer detects a type of
charger. In an embodiment, the alarm inactivation module 150 may
require the user to enter a PIN or other predetermined security
code, so that if the device is removed by a thief, the alarm will
continue to sound until the power is depleted. In this manner a
user may be reminded to remove a device from a bicycle charger,
motorcycle charger, or other type of charger upon arrival at the
user's destination.
[0031] Disclosed above are portable electronic devices that have an
alarm so that a user can be reminded to remove the portable
electronic device from a charger or charging cradle when charging
voltage to the device drops, for example, when a bicycle stops
moving or when a motorcycle's electrical system is switched off.
The alarm may be activated when the electronic device detects that
an applied charging voltage has dropped below a threshold value.
The electronic device includes a charger detection module
configured to detect the type of charger connected to the
electronic device. A charger voltage monitoring module is
configured to detect when the applied charging voltage has
decreased below the predetermined threshold value. When the device
is detected to be connected to a particular type of charger, and it
is detected that the applied charging voltage has decreased below
the threshold value, the alarm may be activated after a
predetermined time. The electronic device may in addition be
configured to accept user input to temporarily silence the alarm or
otherwise configure the alarm. In this manner the electronic device
may provide a reminder to remove the device from a charger or
charging cradle of, for example, a bicycle or motorcycle, thereby
reducing the chance that the device may be forgotten in the
charging cradle when the bicycle or motorcycle is stopped, and
thereby helping to avoid loss or theft of the device.
[0032] This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and
use various embodiments in accordance with the technology rather
than to limit the true, intended, and fair scope and spirit
thereof. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive
or to be limited to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications or
variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The
embodiment(s) was chosen and described to provide the best
illustration of the principle of the described technology and its
practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the
art to utilize the technology in various embodiments and with
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the
scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims, as may
be amended during the pendency of this application for patent, and
all equivalents thereof, when interpreted in accordance with the
breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitable
entitled.
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